Power BI DAX Introduction

Description

This intensive, one-day online course introduces Power BI users to the powerful DAX language, equipping them with the skills to create dynamic calculated columns, tables, and measures. Led by an expert tutor, participants will master DAX fundamentals—from syntax and functions to key concepts like calculation contexts and the CALCULATE function—empowering them to build insightful, data-driven reports with confidence.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this one-day Introduction to Power BI DAX course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the basics of DAX syntax and how to use DAX objects and operators effectively.
• Create and apply calculated columns to add new fields based on existing data within the data model.
• Build calculated tables and understand when to use them, including creating date tables and using functions like DISTINCT and FILTER.
• Develop and use measures for dynamic calculations in visuals, gaining insight into the differences between implicit and explicit measures.
• Use iterator functions such as SUMX, AVERAGEX, and COUNTX to perform calculations across rows, and understand the distinction between implicit and explicit iteration.
• Comprehend calculation contexts in DAX, including row context, filter context, and context transition.
• Apply the basics of the CALCULATE function, using it with Boolean logic and filter functions to modify calculation contexts.

Course Outline

Getting Started

Welcome to the Course
Downloading the Course Files
DAX Overview
DAX Objects

Calculated Columns

Calculated Columns versus M Computed Columns
Creating Calculated Columns
Calculated Columns versus Measures
Calculated Columns, Measures and Visuals

DAX Syntax

Referring to Objects
DAX Operators
Using Variables

Calculated Tables

Creating Calculated Tables
Creating a Date Table
Cloning a Table
Using the DISTINCT Function
Using the FILTER Function

Measures

Creating a Measures Table
Implicit Measures
Measures and the Filter Context
Basic Aggregation Functions
Logical Functions

Iterator Functions

Implicit and Explicit Iteration
The SUMX Function
The AVERAGEX Function
The COUNTX Function
Calculation Contexts

Understanding Calculation Contexts

The Row Context
The Filter Context
Context Transition

CALCULATE Function Basics

CALCULATE Overview
Using CALCULATE with Booleans
Using CALCULATE with FILTER
Using CALCULATE with ALL